Under the leadership of Dr Syed Haider, we are seeking to appoint an Analytical Scientist to join our Breast Cancer Research Data Science Team.
We are seeking a highly motivated bioinformatics researcher to apply and develop computational approaches for investigating subclonal architecture and plasticity in treatment resistant breast cancers. The successful candidate will employ computational approaches to meaningfully integrate single cell assays encompassing RNA, T/B cell repertoire and spatial genomics in order to identify mechanisms of treatment resistance and therapeutic candidates. Beyond computational discovery, suitable therapeutic targets will be subject to pre-clinical investigation and subsequent design of translational studies at our research centre. Hence, this study will be performed closely in collaboration with experimental and clinical investigators at the Breast Cancer Now Research Centre at The Institute of Cancer Research and Breast Cancer Now Research Unit at Kings College London.
Your work will focus on datasets generated using the state-of-the-art molecular profiling such as single cell sequencing and spatial genomic profiling on patient samples throughout disease progression to understand the molecular evolution of breast cancer and response to targeted therapies. Together with wet-lab colleagues, we will investigate molecular barcoding strategies in patient derived models, mechanistic hypotheses in vitro and in vivo and candidate biomarkers that inform the design of proof-of-concept clinical trials or drug discovery programmes. In addition, you will be responsible for the analysis and interpretation of high-throughput perturbation screens (where available) for matched single cell and spatial datasets.
The project offers experience in data science such as statistical modelling and single cell multi-omics, while investigating novel molecular biomarkers of aggressive breast cancers. The successful candidate will also have opportunities to optimise/extend our existing computational pipelines for pre-processing of big data in breast cancer (genomics, single cell and spatial technologies). Given the multidisciplinary nature of this position, the successful candidate is expected to play a key role in liaising with wet-lab scientists, as well as write up of research results in a highly collaborative environment.
Key Requirements
Applicants should hold a MSc in a computational/numerical subject, have programming and scripting experience, and possess basic knowledge of biology. A background in the analysis and interpretation of single cell assays would be highly valuable. A PhD in a computational/numerical subject would be desirable.
Department/Directorate Information
The Breast Cancer Research Data Science Team is an interdisciplinary group of researchers (~12) who are experts in high-throughput data analyses, machine learning and software engineering. We work in a highly dynamic and collaborative environment focussing on the identification of molecular markers of breast cancer by interrogating genomic, epigenomic and transcriptomic datasets profiled using bulk as well as single-cell assays. These molecular datasets are generated using patient samples and patient-derived models (xenografts and organoids), and interpreted alongside clinical covariates of patients. In particular, we are interested in the application and development of bioinformatics methods to help understand the molecular basis of treatment resistant breast cancers.
The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre at the ICR is the first centre in the UK entirely devoted to breast cancer research. Our goal is to advance research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. It is located in state-of-the-art laboratory space, with excellent core facilities and funding.
We encourage all applicants to access the job pack attached for more detailed information regarding this role. For an informal discussion regarding the role, please contact [email protected].